SURFING HOT SPOTS IN THE OC

Surfing is an iconic part of The OC lifestyle.

With 48 miles of coastline and some of the best surf breaks in the world, it should come as no surprise that surfing is an iconic part of The OC lifestyle. Home to “Surf City USA,” Orange County’s storied history with California’s official sport dates back to the early 1900s. Since then, The OC has become an undeniable cultural center for surfers and fans of the sport.

If you’re looking to catch a wave in one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world, look no further than this list of surfing hot spots in Orange County.

Huntington Beach

Known internationally as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach is regarded as one of the most important surfing cities in the United States. Surfing’s impact on the city’s culture is seen all around from the International Surf Museum to the iconic life-sized statue of legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku. The Surfing Walk of Fame, located in front of Jack’s Surfboards, has a walkway of engraved granite stones in honor of the top surfers, and the footprints and handprints of legendary local surfers are immortalized at the Surfing Hall of Fame at Huntington Surf and Sport.

Huntington Beach has five beaches on 10 miles of coastline with options for surfers at every skill level. Both the north and south sides of the famous pier almost always have great waves, but if you’re looking to find emptier peaks, check out Bolsa Chica State Beach. Huntington Beach also offers plenty of group and individual surf lessons for beginners.

Newport Beach

If you’re a skilled surfer looking for a killer surf spot -or fan who loves to watch surfers do their thing – look no further than The Wedge in Newport Beach. This famous break is known for having the biggest swell in Southern California where 20-foot waves are a common occurrence. It’s truly a sight to see! Newport Beach offers many other great options along its eight-mile coastline. And visitors need not worry—the locals are warm and welcoming. You won’t find any surfer attitude here, only laid-back vibes and awesome swells.

Laguna Beach

New surfers will especially love Laguna Beach. Its many cove beaches offer lots of small, intermediate waves that provide a great opportunity to work on getting the perfect stance. Popular surfing spots in Laguna include St. Ann’s Beach, which is a perfect spot for all ages, as well as Brook’s Street Beach, home to larger waves for those who are more experienced. If you’re looking for surfing lessons, head over to La Vida Laguna or Laguna Surf and Sport, Laguna Beach’s oldest surf shop.

Dana Point

Known as the birthplace of U.S. surf culture, Dana Point offers world-class surfing options for beginners, intermediate surfers, and experts. Doheny State Beach, California’s first state beach, is a perfect spot for beginner surfers. The longer waves at San Onofre State Beach are perfect for longboarders. Salt Creek, a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, has good vibes and even better swells. Surfers who are more experienced will especially enjoy Salt Creek thanks to its wilder breaks.

Cities

Orange County

Known around the world as "The OC," Orange County, California
envelops you in the ultimate Southern California lifestyle… casual
sophistication, pristine beaches, legendary theme parks and
endless options for fun in the sun or cultural exploration. With
sun-soaked days and star-filled nights, here you'll be immersed in
the real California dream.

HIGHLIGHTS

2. Buena Park

Buena Park is known as the entertainment capital of Southern
California and birthplace of the boysenberry. Meet Snoopy and ride
world-class roller coasters at Knott's Berry Farm, enjoy dozens of
waterslides at Knott's Soak City waterpark, choose from three
interactive dinner shows and dine at award-winning restaurants
like Porto's Bakery & Café or Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor.

1. Anaheim

Anaheim is home to the Anaheim Packing House, a historical
citrus-packing facility turned eclectic food hall with over 20
independent eateries ranging from international cuisine to
American comfort food. A city brimming with a local sports
culture, Anaheim boasts two professional sports teams: the Los
Angeles Angels and the Anaheim Ducks.

6. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach was recently voted the “Best California Beach” by
USA Today. With 10 miles of pristine coastline, enjoy beach yoga,
surf lessons, bird-watching in the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, sunset
bonfires, and pampering spas or a signature event such as the
California Wine Festival. Huntington Beach has the most oceanfront
rooms within a one-mile stretch on the West Coast.

3. Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is the internationally acclaimed arts and theater
district in Orange County. Stay in the City of the Arts® and enjoy
concerts at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, experience designer
shopping at South Coast Plaza, boutique shopping at The OC Mix,
and support “little American business” at The LAB and The CAMP.

9. Newport Beach

Beyond the radiant sun, sand and surf, discover the sophisticated
charm of Newport Beach, California. With the largest recreational
harbor on the west coast, there are ten miles of extraordinary
fishing, swimming, surfing, and aquatic sports activities. Ten
distinct neighborhoods make up Newport Beach, each with its own
unique personality, natural beauty and story to share.

7. Irvine

Irvine is where community, business and nature are in harmony.
Beautifully manicured office parks are surrounded by more than
16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space, the
most in the county, offering residents and visitors alike
preserved natural habitats and wildlands with miles of hiking and
biking trails.

8. Laguna Beach

The artist colony of Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s hidden
gems, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The
city’s topography is unique to other California coastal cities
with its seven miles of coves and beaches where visitors can
explore sea caves, tide pools, oceanside bluffs, natural tide
pools and of course, sandy beaches, all within city limits.

4. Dana Point

Dana Point is a perfect blend and meld of the natural and
beautiful harmony of the cliffs, the beaches, the harbor, the
stunning world-class resorts. It’s a comfortable, surfer town that
invites one and all. Known for its four breathtaking coastal
resorts, Dana Point offers accommodations for every lifestyle and
corporate meetings.

Orange County

Known around the world as "The OC," Orange County, California
envelops you in the ultimate Southern California lifestyle…
casual sophistication, pristine beaches, legendary theme parks
and endless options for fun in the sun or cultural exploration.
With sun-soaked days and star-filled nights, here you'll be
immersed in the real California dream.

Cities

1. Anaheim

Anaheim is home to the Anaheim Packing House, a historical
citrus-packing facility turned eclectic food hall with over 20
independent eateries ranging from international cuisine to
American comfort food. A city brimming with a local sports
culture, Anaheim boasts two professional sports teams: the Los
Angeles Angels and the Anaheim Ducks.

2. Buena Park

Buena Park is known as the entertainment capital of Southern
California and birthplace of the boysenberry. Meet Snoopy and
ride world-class roller coasters at Knott's Berry Farm, enjoy
dozens of waterslides at Knott's Soak City waterpark, choose
from three interactive dinner shows and dine at award-winning
restaurants like Porto's Bakery & Café or Farrell’s Ice Cream
Parlor.

3. Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is the internationally acclaimed arts and theater
district in Orange County. Stay in the City of the Arts® and
enjoy concerts at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, experience
designer shopping at South Coast Plaza, boutique shopping at The
OC Mix, and support “little American business” at The LAB and
The CAMP.

4. Dana Point

Dana Point is a perfect blend and meld of the natural and
beautiful harmony of the cliffs, the beaches, the harbor, the
stunning world-class resorts. It’s a comfortable, surfer town
that invites one and all. Known for its four breathtaking
coastal resorts, Dana Point offers accommodations for every
lifestyle and corporate meetings.

6. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach was recently voted the “Best California Beach”
by USA Today. With 10 miles of pristine coastline, enjoy beach
yoga, surf lessons, bird-watching in the Bolsa Chica Wetlands,
sunset bonfires, and pampering spas or a signature event such as
the California Wine Festival. Huntington Beach has the most
oceanfront rooms within a one-mile stretch on the West Coast.

7. Irvine

Irvine is where community, business and nature are in harmony.
Beautifully manicured office parks are surrounded by more than
16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space,
the most in the county, offering residents and visitors alike
preserved natural habitats and wildlands with miles of hiking
and biking trails.

8. Laguna Beach

The artist colony of Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s
hidden gems, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego.
The city’s topography is unique to other California coastal
cities with its seven miles of coves and beaches where visitors
can explore sea caves, tide pools, oceanside bluffs, natural
tide pools and of course, sandy beaches, all within city limits.

9. Newport Beach

Beyond the radiant sun, sand and surf, discover the
sophisticated charm of Newport Beach, California. With the
largest recreational harbor on the west coast, there are ten
miles of extraordinary fishing, swimming, surfing, and aquatic
sports activities. Ten distinct neighborhoods make up Newport
Beach, each with its own unique personality, natural beauty and
story to share.